Alex Klein Therapyhttps://akleintherapy.com
Therapy, Crisis Consultation & Collaborative Care - Madison, CTFri, 15 Feb 2019 21:44:02 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=5.0.3https://akleintherapy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/cropped-Alex-Klein-icon-32x32.pngAlex Klein Therapyhttps://akleintherapy.com
3232139258825Connecting the Mind & Bodyhttps://akleintherapy.com/2018/03/13/connecting-the-mind-body/
Tue, 13 Mar 2018 14:44:20 +0000https://akleintherapy.com/?p=654The older we get, the faster life seems to move. And taking care of ourselves only gets more important with age. For parents, life can feel like warp speed. The responsibility of caring for others can sometimes make caring for ourselves feel like an afterthought. But ensuring our own health by connecting the mind & body is […]

]]>The older we get, the faster life seems to move. And taking care of ourselves only gets more important with age. For parents, life can feel like warp speed. The responsibility of caring for others can sometimes make caring for ourselves feel like an afterthought. But ensuring our own health by connecting the mind & body is the single most important thing we can do before we can effectively take care of others.

While this is going to be a different journey for everyone, we can all recognize that there is a connection between how we feel emotionally to how we feel physically. And finding the right balance between the two is fundamental to a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Exercise, sleep and a nutritious diet are three things we can all maintain on a daily basis. As adults, we generally know our bodies well enough to know how much sleep we need to function. More important, we are all familiar with what our bodies feel like when we haven’t gotten enough sleep. Whether its a lack of focus or irritability, the affect is universally adverse. The challenge is following through on making time for these fundamental needs.

Despite understanding the importance of sleep, sometimes life gets so busy that we simply forget to make time. We all sometimes stay up too late, even when we know it will be to our own detriment. These are the moments in which we can be our own worst enemy. Whether its getting a good night of sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, or sticking to a routine exercise schedule, we know there is a relationship between doing those things and how they make us feel. There are so many ways to explore the relationship between body and mind. But making time for these fundamentals is where it all begins, and these choices ultimately determine how we present ourselves, and who we are on a daily basis.

Once those fundamentals are in place, there are a variety of ways to proactively connect the body and mind. Consider the following examples as potential avenues to explore:

Expressive – Creative arts therapies are based on the premise that when someone works creatively, they become more expressive and communicative. Whether its through music, dance or creating literal works of art people can reduce stress and anxiousness while simultaneously building confidence.

Emotional – Mindfulness is a nonjudgmental awareness in which each thought, feeling, and sensation that arises is acknowledged and accepted. Simple as it may sound, mindfulness transforms how we relate to events and experiences. It creates a more spacious way of being in the world that is less reactive and generally happier. It lets us pay attention to our health, relationships, and environment. Mindfulness helps us discover our purpose and path and in doing so, it contributes to a happier and healthier community as a whole.

Physical – Yoga is a physical activity that includes stretching and strengthening poses, breathing exercises, and a variety of meditation practices designed to specifically connect body and mind. It uses deep breathing and heightened senses to center ourselves and to achieve physical and emotional harmony.

No matter what type of path you choose to explore, the key is to take care of yourself. Whether its through sleep, exercise, or one of the approaches above, connecting emotional and physical health is essential to inner peace and happiness. Time flies and life moves quickly. Its a lifelong journey. By taking of your own health and well being, you can ideally take the time to enjoy the ride.

For more information or to schedule and appointment please contact me at 203-499-7890 or alex@akleintherapy.com.

]]>654Teens and Screenshttps://akleintherapy.com/2018/03/04/teens-screens-compromises/
Sun, 04 Mar 2018 16:14:47 +0000https://akleintherapy.com/?p=647Parents have spent generations shaking their fists at “kids these days.” For decades, adults worried that television was raising their children. And while some of these debates revolved around content, the lasting result was an ongoing conversation about the relationship between teens and screens. But if television was a headache for parents in the past, […]

]]>Parents have spent generations shaking their fists at “kids these days.” For decades, adults worried that television was raising their children. And while some of these debates revolved around content, the lasting result was an ongoing conversation about the relationship between teens and screens. But if television was a headache for parents in the past, then smart phones and tablets are likely causing migraines for parents in the present. As much time as adults may spend glued to their phones, its still hard for many to understand the relationship that millennials have with their phones and electronic devices.

Teenagers today don’t know a world without the internet. They’ve been able to walk and talk, while online, for their entire lives. This relationship is more than a dependency, its a part of their DNA. For parents the consequences have probably never seemed so complicated. To be sure, technology today has benefits that are hard to dispute. Among the most overlooked is that recent studies have suggested that teenagers are now so comfortable online that they are gradually becoming less inclined to participate in dangerous activities. But this creates a pretty confounding paradox… millennials might be physically safer than any generation in decades, but their mental health may be more at risk than any in recent memory.
( https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/09/has-the-smartphone-destroyed-a-generation/534198/?utm_source=twb )

While all of the conflicting research continues to evolve, there are several constants that parents can rely upon to help teenagers maintain a healthy mindset. Studies are consistent in reflecting that screen time at night can keep children (and adults!) from getting quality sleep. By spending hours in front a light-emitting screen before bed, our brains can literally not ready ourselves for bedtime. ( https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/evening-screen-time-can-sabotage-sleep ) The advice on this front is to stop watching TV or using smartphones and other screen devices an hour or two before bedtime to give your brain a rest and the correct signal that it is time for sleep.

The other constant throughout all the research is that no matter how much time is spent with technology, staring at a screen can never duplicate the benefits of actual physical activity. No matter how much time a teen spends online or in front of their computer, its essential that they still get exercise and that they also spend time outside. Parents today have tough case-by-case choices to make when it comes to technology, but for those picking battles, if a teenager can re-main physically active, then conceding some inevitable screen time may be worth the compromise.

Please feel free to contact me with questions or to schedule an appointment.

]]>647Talking to Kids about School Shootingshttps://akleintherapy.com/2018/02/25/school-shooting-talk-kids/
Sun, 25 Feb 2018 23:57:23 +0000https://akleintherapy.com/?p=643There is nothing easy about talking to kids about school shootings and confronting the feelings that follow horrific events like the one that occurred at a high school in Parkland, Florida just over a week ago. From overwhelming heartbreak to furious anger, its normal for emotions to be raw, conflicted and full of passion and pain. But […]

]]>There is nothing easy about talking to kids about school shootings and confronting the feelings that follow horrific events like the one that occurred at a high school in Parkland, Florida just over a week ago. From overwhelming heartbreak to furious anger, its normal for emotions to be raw, conflicted and full of passion and pain. But as school shootings increase, one of the most frustrating feelings to emerge is familiarity. Following the shooting at Columbine High School in 1999, people reacted with horror and confusion. It was one of the first school shootings of its kind and people struggled to comprehend how such a thing could happen. After the events at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012, the despair was so deep that a lack of action to address this trend felt incomprehensible. So more than five years later, with events like these accumulating by the dozens and with literally no legislation on the horizon, one of the hardest emotions to reconcile after last weeks shooting in Florida is the ines-capable familiarity. Somehow, school shootings have gone from being a rare tragedy to a tragic reality.

There’s no one way to address tragedies with children, and how parents approach it depends both on the child’s age and temperament. Avoiding the topic with young elementary schoolers probably seems preferable to most parents, but ultimately for those that think their kids may hear about a shooting from other students at school, it might be worth proactively starting a conversation at home. But before this can happen, its essential that parents try to process these tragedies themselves. Just like airplanes that require adults to put on oxygen masks before putting them on their children, parents have to try and reconcile their own emotional responses.

One of the most delicate aspects of having this conversation with younger children is the desire to shield them from unnecessary fear while also feeling the need to increase their awareness of the world around them. For young children, the conversation can be as simple as telling them that something very sad has happened and that they may hear people talking about it at school. For kids in early elementary school, focusing on themes like bravery and courage can keep the conversation re-affirming.

Talking to kids about school shootings can get more complex as they get older. Adolescents today have never been more aware of the world around them. Older kids have grown up with the internet and have instant access to endless information. By the time a parent asks their tween about a school shooting, the tween may already have more information than the parent. For kids in this age-range, its important to listen and to ask questions. This may be a good opportunity to learn about concerns that your child has that they’ve never had the chance to express.

With teenagers the conversation about school shootings can be even more complicated. In addition to having access to endless information, teenagers have also been through this before. The sad reality is that the for highschoolers today, they have grown up in a world where school shootings are somehow considered a normal part of their lives. Most teenagers are inherently looking for hypocrisy in the world and for the first time in their lives, many are willing to take action. So their frustration with the ongoing familiarity of school shootings is both telling and essential. Sometimes it takes a teenager to see a complicated issue in its simplest terms. For teenagers that have grown up seeing a problem with no solution in sight, this could be a call to action. For some, the adversity of this tragedy could be their first opportunity to force change.

Teens may be disillusioned with the partisan politics that so often accompanies the aftermath of these tragedies. While adults are arguing about the NRA or gun regulations, kids simply see inexcusable inaction. Some adults and lawmakers are hesitant to talk about school shootings in their direct aftermath; perhaps fearful that they will be labeled as opportunistic, or more likely because they want to avoid the issue entirely. But others see this cautiousness as an excuse to not engage at a time when it has never felt so important. Perhaps nothing stands in starker contrast to the indecision of adults on this front, than the raw response of teenagers that were actually present at the shootings in Parkland, Florida last week. For these kids that were forced to witness this tragedy first-hand, their response is simple. They want change. They want it now. And they have no idea why it’s so complicated for adults to figure out and address. ( https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/2/15/17016136/majority-stoneman-douglas-parkland-david-hogg) As usual, sometimes its the teenagers that see a complex issue with the most obvious clarity.

Its possible to dream that when this generation comes of age, they will be able to enact actual and effective legislative change. But in the meantime, the raw frustration of our youth can be a genuine opportunity to redirect their energy towards a call to action. Whether its engaging with local representatives, seeking a career in public service, or organizing meetings, its important for teens and young adults to know that they have a voice. For some teenagers, opportunities like these can be galvanizing and inspiring. Its often social issues that first stir the passions of teens and by empowering their voices, adults are also giving important self-confidence to a demographic just learning how to harness their emotions.

For parents looking to take action on this front, also consider the following:

Talk to administrators at your kids school about safety procedures and drills that are in place specifically for school shootings.

Engage with your local and state representatives. A call to action can be a great way to lead by example for your children.

Converse with your children while listening and asking questions. Learn what they know and what they fear so that you can help them navigate their feelings.

Be positive but also be real. Its important not to scare your children, especially depending on their age but its also important not to make false promises. Sadly we don’t live in a world where its realistic to guarantee that these shootings will not continue. There will be more and it may even be worth making sure your children understand this, rather than trying to totally assure them.

]]>643Vapes, Juuls, and A Whole New Generationhttps://akleintherapy.com/2018/02/11/vapes-juuls-and-a-new-generation/
Sun, 11 Feb 2018 16:58:43 +0000https://akleintherapy.com/?p=612As the popularity of Vapes and Juuls have skyrocketed, smoking has declined more quickly than anyone could have imagined. And while the initial intention may have been to eliminate the use of tobacco, one of the unforeseen consequences is a marketplace that still delivers nicotine, often in much higher (and more concentrated) doses. So disguised […]

]]>As the popularity of Vapes and Juuls have skyrocketed, smoking has declined more quickly than anyone could have imagined. And while the initial intention may have been to eliminate the use of tobacco, one of the unforeseen consequences is a marketplace that still delivers nicotine, often in much higher (and more concentrated) doses. So disguised in all types of fun-looking flavors, society has once again found a way to get its fix.

There was a time, in the not too distant past, when people smoked cigarettes without a care in the world. Before they were linked to cancer, cigarettes might as well have been an everyday accessory, and they were certainly a staple of modern society. But as the twentieth century came to a close, it was hard to ignore the connections between smoking and serious health risks. For the first time, the tobacco industry struggled, and smoking carried a negative stigma. But customers trying to quit cigarettes represented an opportunity and technology wasted no time in filling the void. With electronic cigarettes, people could quit smoking tobacco by using their very own personal vaporizer.

Complicating matters even further is that vaping has inadvertently created easy access for many teens and adolescents. This is mostly due to the fact that most vapes are hard to detect. Some, not so subtly called “vape pens,” could easily be lost amidst a pile of actual pens. Others may be more elaborate, but most are small enough to fit in a pocket and they usually resemble a pen or cigarette in shape. Equally as important for teens and adolescents is the fact that vapes often produce a cloud of mostly odorless smoke, making it harder for those in surrounding areas to detect. These once inadvertent disguises have now become an overt selling point. In recent years, specific vaping devices have emerged that capitalize on these discreet qualities. Most notably is the JUUL, a controversial new type of vape with a purposefully distinct resemblance to a USB device. The sales pitch for teens? That they can take it anywhere and use it anywhere. The problem for parents? That teens can it anywhere and use it anywhere. (Including the classroom: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/12/04/568273801/teenagers-embrace-juul-saying-its-discreet-enough-to-vape-in-class )

All of the above is enough to warrant the attention of most parents. But yet another complication is that the rise of vapes and Juuls has coincided with the legalization of medical marijuana in most states (and of recreational marijuana in an increasing number of states). Inevitably, marijuana dispensaries are now offering cannabis via vaping. And while this almost certainly has been beneficial for those using marijuana for medical purposes, it also teens and adolescents with an avenue to smoke pot that is both easy to access and hard to detect.

What this means for the future remains unclear. Vapes and Juuls appears to be a modern alternative to a culture of smoking that already feels ancient. But it has undoubtedly also opened the door to a whole new world of possibilities. For teens and adolescents, it’s probably never been easier to experiment. For parents and teachers, a watchful eye may not be enough. With technology evolving by the day, only time will tell. Until then, the most responsible path for parents trying to under-stand these new trends are ongoing awareness and continued communication.

]]>612Parenting Complex Adolescentshttps://akleintherapy.com/2018/02/02/parenting-complex-adolescents/
Fri, 02 Feb 2018 14:15:49 +0000https://akleintherapy.com/?p=599Parenting complex adolescents has never been easy. And in 2018, it’s never been harder. While hormones and angst have accompanied adolescence since the beginning of time, we live in an ever-complex world. Gender identification, sexuality, and cyber bullying are just a few examples of complicated issues that kids are now facing more openly than ever. And […]

]]>Parenting complex adolescents has never been easy. And in 2018, it’s never been harder. While hormones and angst have accompanied adolescence since the beginning of time, we live in an ever-complex world. Gender identification, sexuality, and cyber bullying are just a few examples of complicated issues that kids are now facing more openly than ever. And with advanced technology at their fingertips, teenagers today may sometimes even feel as though they have to navigate two lives; the one they lead in reality and the one they have created for themselves online and/or via social media. As kids struggle with these new issues, they can often withdraw and isolate, sometimes presenting as angry and irritable in the process. For parents, this can be an alarming turn of events. Most of the time, this dynamic is just a frustrating reminder that a child is growing up. But in some cases, the problems may run deeper and be cause for greater concern.

While they don’t get paid for their efforts, it often feels as though a teenagers job is to be difficult. Its normal for them to feel misunderstood and confused. As a result, a teenager may feel angry, alone and lost while facing complicated issues about identity, peers, sexual behavior, drinking and drugs. Parents may feel frustrated that their child no longer responds to authority appropriately. Methods of discipline that worked well in earlier years may no longer have an effect. Parents may also feel frightened and helpless about the choices their teen is making.

Dealing with issues of adolescence can be trying for all concerned. At the same time that teenagers are starting to push boundaries and experiment, parents are in a position where letting go is often their only choice. The days of being greeted at the door by an excited toddler are usually replaced by teenagers openly cringing at the very presence of their parents. Unfortunately, there is no perfect solution for this inevitability of life. But for families raising teenagers, the most effective formula is often a combination of balance, fluidity and support. It’s essential that parents learn how to let go while maintaining a sense of structure and discipline. Teenagers are going to make mistakes. They are definitely going to make bad choices. This is part of their DNA. For parents, the ability to adapt to change while providing consistent support can make an enormous difference. Reducing dependence can be the hardest job for a parent. But it is simultaneously one of the most important.

Families that can maintain a balance of patience and empathy are generally successful at helping their children navigate these difficult years. However, there are several warning signs that things are not going well. These include aggressive behavior or violence by the teen, drug or alcohol abuse, promiscuity, school truancy, brushes with the law or runaway behavior. If any of these issues become prevalent, it’s important that parents are open to seeking help, whether via therapy and/or other types of services.

Please feel free to contact me with questions or to schedule an appointment.

]]>599Surviving Your Angerhttps://akleintherapy.com/2018/01/25/surviving-your-anger/
Thu, 25 Jan 2018 18:31:01 +0000https://akleintherapy.com/?p=596Even if you haven’t seen the recent Pixar classic, Inside Out, you probably know that anger doesn’t have the best reputation. Lewis Black ranting at the top of his lungs is perfect type-casting. But like all of our emotions, anger can be a normal and healthy outlet. The problem is that for some, this can […]

]]>Even if you haven’t seen the recent Pixar classic, Inside Out, you probably know that anger doesn’t have the best reputation. Lewis Black ranting at the top of his lungs is perfect type-casting. But like all of our emotions, anger can be a normal and healthy outlet. The problem is that for some, this can be a challenging emotion to contain. When anger spirals out of control, it has the power to adversely affect every aspect of our lives. The goal of anger management is to reduce the emotional impact and the physiological sensations that accompany anger at its strongest.

Anger can be caused by both external and internal events. A person could be angry at a friend or colleague, for instance, over a perceived wrongdoing. And they could just as easily be angry at an unforeseen circumstance like a traffic jam or a cancelled flight. On the outside, this might look like rage. But on the inside, anger can manifest itself physically with symptoms that include an increased heart rate, along with rising blood pressure and adrenaline. These physical affects can often feel both instantaneous and scary in their intensity.

Almost everyone has probably had a brief moment of road rage or a day of irritability. But for those whose anger has become a baseline for their personality, there are likely deeper reasons to explore. In recent decades, psychological research has shown that anger is often an attempt to hide other emotions, whether it be guilt, embarrassment, fear or humiliation. Anger is not only a potential defense mechanism but it can be also be a dangerous diversion from sources of even deeper pain.

Anger at its worst can be totally destructive. It can ruin relationships and it can cause irrational thinking that leads to unintended consequences. But anger can be controlled and with hard work, it can be managed effectively. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with anger management, consider the following suggestions as tips that could lead to a more positive perspective.

Stop and take a deep breath

Before you say or do something you might regret, try to relax in the moment.

Find another way to express your anger

It’s important to find a release for your anger that isn’t detrimental to yourself or those around you. Write down your thoughts instead of yelling them at someone.

Don’t dwell on it

Move on from whatever is bothering you. Whether its justified or not, life is too short for grudges and anger that festers is both unhealthy and unproductive.

Stay active and exercise

Anger requires a lot of energy. If you can redirect your adrenaline, it will save your temper a lot of time.

Dig deep

Once you’ve calmed down, take the opportunity to explore what factors could be contributing to your angry state-of-mind

For anyone that suffers from chronic anger, the advice above will likely seem easier said than done. And they’re right. Controlling your anger is hard and challenging work that can require a lot of introspection. But the effort to manage your anger will not only save you a lot of trouble and heartache, it will also lead to a healthier mindset with a more positive perspective on your life and loved ones.

]]>596Living with Anxietyhttps://akleintherapy.com/2018/01/19/living-with-anxiety/
Fri, 19 Jan 2018 20:39:45 +0000https://akleintherapy.com/?p=593More than forty million people in the United States live with some type of anxiety disorder. That’s almost twenty percent of the population. Living with anxiety is an immense challenge and it’s often compounded by the fact that few non-sufferers truly comprehend how this illness impacts lives. Whether it’s an obsessive-compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress, […]

]]>More than forty million people in the United States live with some type of anxiety disorder. That’s almost twenty percent of the population. Living with anxiety is an immense challenge and it’s often compounded by the fact that few non-sufferers truly comprehend how this illness impacts lives. Whether it’s an obsessive-compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress, anxieties of all kinds can adversely impact a person’s ability to work, interact socially, or even leave the house.

Social Phobias – anxiety over social settings and environmental situations

Specific Phobias – sudden anxiety over a specific object or situation; may cause a panic attack

Social Anxiety Disorder – anxiety over social interactions

Determining whether or not you have anxiety can also be a challenge and often requires the help of a therapist to at least make a formal diagnosis. The difference between being occasionally nervous and having an anxiety can often feel like a fine line. But its important to know that anxiety disorders can manifest themselves both emotionally and physically. In fact, one of the reasons some anxiety disorders remain under-diagnosed is because of their physical symptoms. Many times, doctors do not initially make a connection between the physical symptoms a patient may be experiencing and the possibility that they’re being created by an anxiety disorder instead of a medical condition.

These physical symptoms of severe anxiety can feel very scary and can include:

Increased breathing and heart rate

Sweating

Trembling / shaking

Weakness or fatigue

Difficulty sleeping

Emotional symptoms maybe be easier to diagnose and examples of these are likely to include:

Feelings of extreme, and sometimes, fear

Feelings of uneasiness and apprehension

A sense of panic

A misplaced sense of danger

Whether through therapy, introspection or a combination of methods, anxiety can be appropriately and successfully managed. Some of the more common tips on how to successfully live with anxiety include:

Be Positive

Live in the Moment

Create a Journal

Practice mindfulness

Follow a daily routine

Focus your Thoughts

Define your Values

Learn Breathing Exercises

Exercise

Perhaps the greatest and most problematic misconception about anxiety disorders is that they are merely a chosen state of mind; something that the sufferer can somehow fully control. This idea is fundamentally damaging simply because it places the blame of the illness on the shoulders of the sufferer. The reality is that an anxiety disorder is a daily challenge. But through therapy, proactive thinking and positive thoughts, anxiety can be successfully managed and living with anxiety can be an opportunity to build resilience.

]]>593Video Gaming Disorderhttps://akleintherapy.com/2018/01/12/video-gaming-disorder/
Fri, 12 Jan 2018 17:36:20 +0000https://akleintherapy.com/?p=570From an ATARI in the early 80s to a SEGA or NINTENDO in the 1990s, video games and video gaming disorder have been an increasingly active presence in our lives for more than a few decades. Like movies and television, gaming can be an enjoyable escape from reality and a fun hobby for adolescents and teenagers. […]

]]>From an ATARI in the early 80s to a SEGA or NINTENDO in the 1990s, video games and video gaming disorder have been an increasingly active presence in our lives for more than a few decades. Like movies and television, gaming can be an enjoyable escape from reality and a fun hobby for adolescents and teenagers. But the simpler days of Mario and Luigi are long gone. For the first time ever, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced that it will classify gaming addiction as a mental health condition. Starting in 2018, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) will officially list the condition as “gaming disorder.” https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/27/health/video-game-disorder-who/index.html

Video gaming disorder has exploded into an entirely new phenomenon in the 21st century, driven by cutting-edge graphics and intricate storylines. Gaming is now an immersive experience. For some, this remains an appropriate escape from the real world. But for others, gaming has become more than a hobby. Whether its losing oneself in a world of fantasy, or obsessing over how to get to the next level of a random game, the experience can be a dangerously time-consuming distraction. And now, it can also be considered a diagnosable disorder.

Perhaps more than any advancement in technology, the experience of gaming has been “enhanced” in recent years by the ability to play online. This gives gamers the ability to connect and play with a community of users, from all over the world, all from the comfort-zone of their own bedroom. The result can be total immersion. For many gamers, developing online friendships with fellow players is a fun part of the experience. But for others, this feature can quickly turn toxic. Some gamers get so addicted to their online fantasy world that they forget about the real world that exists right outside their room.

As is the case with most emerging technologies, video game disorders aren’t going anywhere. Whether its via virtual reality or other new formats, the experience is only going to get more heightened over time. For adolescents and teenagers, the gaming experience might as well be a given. It’s an ingrained part of culture.

According to the WHO, 2-3 percent of self-identified video gamers showed symptoms of addiction. Another poll found 10 percent of gamers admitted to spending 12-24 hours at a time glued to their consoles. Of the hundreds of millions who regularly play video games, Oxford researchers found that 1 percent of their group suffered from symptoms similar to gambling addiction. For those aged 18 to 24, that percentage more than doubled.

If you’re a gamer, or the parent of a gamer, concerned that you might be suffering from this now diagnosable disorder, here are the official signs, according to WHO:

priority given to gaming to the extent that it takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities.

continuation or escalation of gaming despite the ongoing occurrence of negative consequences.

Treating addiction, like video gaming disorder, is never easy. For conditions like “video gaming disorder” the problem can feel like an ingrained part of online life that’s impossible to avoid. Conventional wisdom is to set limits and build a rigorous structure that prevents gamers from seeking refuge online. But for those that cannot control their impulses, a therapeutic approach is often essential. Just as there are different emotional impulses behind the alcoholic who goes to a bar, it’s important to understand the emotional desires behind the gamer who can’t stop playing. More often than not, a specific need serves as the driving force behind an conditions like “gaming disorder.” Using therapy to explore these behavioral impulses can be hard and introspective work. But the reward can be a fulfilling life that is much more real than virtual.

]]>570Manage Winter SADnesshttps://akleintherapy.com/2017/12/22/manage-winter-sadness/
Fri, 22 Dec 2017 19:50:24 +0000https://akleintherapy.com/?p=550With colder weather and shorter days, winter is officially here. It’s not unusual for people to experience seasonal mood changes at this time of year. Reduced energy, changes in eating habits, and feeling a bit down can all be signs of the “winter blues.” Instead of jumping out of bed ready to greet the day, […]

]]>With colder weather and shorter days, winter is officially here. It’s not unusual for people to experience seasonal mood changes at this time of year. Reduced energy, changes in eating habits, and feeling a bit down can all be signs of the “winter blues.” Instead of jumping out of bed ready to greet the day, many people want to crawl under the covers and wait for spring. However, should these symptoms present themselves in a more serious manner, or should depression set in, it could be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder (aka, apt acronym: SAD).

Seasonal Affective Disorder can impact a person’s health, productivity and relationships. While cold weather may lead to less activity, the seasonal pattern most directly linked with this disorder is diminishing daylight. This decrease in sunlight may disrupt your body’s internal clock, reduce levels of feel-good chemicals in the brain (such as serotonin and melatonin), and disrupt sleep patterns that affect your daily mood.

Strategies to Help v. SAD

Lighten Up!

Avoid cabin fever, get out of your house and see the sunlight!

When you are inside, let as much natural light into your home as possible.

If necessary, you may even want to explore light therapy.

Exercise Outside!

Finding the motivation to exercise during the winter can be a challenge, but the effort will do wonders for your physical and emotional well-being.

Fresh air can make you feel better and exercise releases feel-good hormones.

If you find yourself not moving for periods of time – set regular reminders to get up and move around. Even a couple minutes at a time will keep your energy levels up.

Body & Mind Therapies

Meditation, yoga, tai chi and deep-breathing are all helpful strategies against winter SAD-ness.

Eating Right

You might crave simple carbohydrates such as pasta, but complex carbs, including oatmeal and starchy vegetables, are slower to digest and are a better choice.

Sleeping Well

Sleep plays an important role in managing many of the symptoms associated with the winter blues and SAD.

Waking up in sync with the sun rising can improve your energy, mood, and productivity.

If you have to wake up particularly early, consider exercising or even just a short walk to start your day.

Embracing the Winter

Shift your thinking.

When you are feeling down, do something social or try a new activity.

Winter can be a wonderful time of year, with many outdoor hobbies at your disposal and lots of daily pleasures to embrace and enjoy. Whether it’s getting in touch with nature or embracing the elements, winter can be a unique time of year to find happiness.

Throughout the holidays, feelings of increased sadness are normal. But as these wintry months wear on, keeping the literal darkness out of your life can be the most effective way to fight any figurative darkness. I encourage you to stay positive and to let as much light into your life as possible!

To learn more about different types of therapies visit our Therapies section on the website. – Thank you

]]>550Turning Lessons from 2017 into Resolutions for 2018https://akleintherapy.com/2017/12/20/turning-lessons-from-2017-into-resolutions-for-2018/
Wed, 20 Dec 2017 18:34:50 +0000https://akleintherapy.com/?p=521Whenever the winter holidays approach, conversation inevitably turns to New Year’s Resolutions. Some take this annual exercise more seriously than others. But taking the time to consider potential resolutions can be a therapeutic opportunity to reflect on 2017 while also effectively planning for the year ahead. The most common New Year’s resolutions are generally broad […]

]]>Whenever the winter holidays approach, conversation inevitably turns to New Year’s Resolutions. Some take this annual exercise more seriously than others. But taking the time to consider potential resolutions can be a therapeutic opportunity to reflect on 2017 while also effectively planning for the year ahead.

The most common New Year’s resolutions are generally broad goals; committing to a healthier diet, saving money, or getting in better shape. These are all important pursuits! But goals aren’t always the same as resolutions. A resolution is a determined action that provides solutions for problems. A resolution is a commitment to change. And when they work, resolutions are a chance for each of us to grow as people.

There is a reason that making annual resolutions coincides with the new year. Changing your calendar may just be a symbolic metaphor for time passing, but I’d urge you to add this exercise to your therapeutic toolbox. Look back at 2017 like its a calendar. Flip through the pages and let yourself see what you remember the most. Reflect on what felt important while it was happening and consider what still stands out today. Let this newfound perspective of the past year be your guide in planning for the year ahead.

For your 2018 resolutions, my advice is to ask yourself the following five questions:

What were the experiences from 2017 that made me the happiest?

What choices from 2017 do I most regret, or would most like to change?

Why will my resolution make me a happier person?

Is this a practical resolution?

How can I hold myself accountable?

Having an answer to that last question, and being able to follow through on the resolutions you make, is ultimately going to be the most important part of this process. Don’t hesitate to continue using your calendar as a tool. Measuring your objectives by marking dates on a calendar can be an invaluable asset. But even if the calendar doesn’t specifically remind you of your resolutions, hopefully turning the pages, each month will be a healthy reminder that time is passing. Don’t let it pass you by. Every day can provide your own personal resolution!